The research - measuring UK media mentions from May to July 2006 - gave the Tories a count of 5,228, compared with 4,618 for Labour and 2,796 for the Lib Dems. Thirty-four-thousand media sources were used.

While coverage for the Lib Dems was reasonably neutral in tone at -4, the Conservatives scored -23, with Labour scoring -53.

The results are testimony to the Tories' PR department, currently helping Cameron to enjoy an extended honeymoon period with the electorate.